Policy Counsel at STATE OF OHIO in Columbus, Ohio

Job Description:

The Supreme Court of Ohio is seeking to fill the position of Policy Counsel in the Case Management Section. The ideal Policy Counsel applicant possesses functional knowledge of caseflow from a court’s perspective. Experience with criminal case processing is a plus. Attorneys who are current or former magistrates, court administrators, clerks, or other court personnel are strongly encouraged to apply.  

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Assists local courts with the development of comprehensive approaches to caseflow management and delay reduction.

• Prioritizes and initiates case management services based upon courts requesting service and the analysis of statistical report data.

• Provides assistance through a variety of methods including the dissemination of research information, technical assistance, and education.

• Assists in the development and revision of case management plans according to the Sup. R 5(B)(1) and to ensure courts are in and remain in compliance with the Rules of Superintendence.

• Provides case management resource materials to stimulate discussion on issues of programming, rulemaking, and staffing.

• Provides on-site or telephone consultation with the judge, court administrator, clerk or other designee. 

• Evaluates court and judicial system processes; makes oral and written recommendations for improvements in operations management, caseflow management, and delay reduction.  

• Through caseflow management reviews, provides legal analysis as to a court's compliance with the Rules of Superintendence for the Courts of Ohio, relevant rules of practice and procedure, and its statutory obligations as required by the Ohio Revised Code.

• Identifies and recommends resource allocations, staffing needs, and financial needs as it relates to case management endeavors.

• Compiles and evaluates statistical data as part of caseflow management reviews.

• Recommends measures and standards for caseflow.

• Facilitates roundtable meetings for local court staff as needed.

• Maintains records for court programs to ensure the information regarding the courts is accurate and complete as needed.

• Assists the statistics analyst in the development and compilation of statistical reports and publications. 

• Develops spreadsheets and reports as needed.

• Provides transition planning for caseflow projects by developing plans of action, measuring performance and analyzing productivity.

• Coordinates and presents various topics at seminars, other meetings and sessions related to case management programs.

• Provides customized, local court training in case management principles and techniques and differentiated case management principles.

• Develops and maintains a close working relationship with constituents.

• Encourages courts to develop collaborative case management planning initiatives with local justice system partners and agencies; collaborates with the justice system partners as needed.

• Serves as a liaison to the local courts for inquiries regarding statistical reporting and compliance with the Rules of Superintendence for the Courts of Ohio.

• Provides administrative support to the Advisory Committee on Case Management and its subcommittees as needed.

• Provides statistical report form training to local courts.  

• May provide work direction to administrative staff as it relates to specific tasks and/or projects.

• Performs work with limited administrative support and makes own travel arrangements.

• Performs other duties as assigned.   

• Regular, reliable, and punctual attendance is required. 

• Requires a law degree and an active  law license in good standing in the state of
  Ohio.

• Requires a minimum of four years post-degree experience in a
  judicial system; working with court administration or case flow management
  preferred.

• Requires basic knowledge of Microsoft Word, and Excel.

• Travel
  is expected and required. Some overnight travel may be necessary. A valid
  driver’s license required.  Requires the ability to work non-standard hours as
  needed.

• Requires
  the ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, to
  establish positive public relations and to interact effectively with justices,
  judges, attorneys, supervisors, co-workers, and the public.

• Requires
  the ability to establish and maintain collaborative effective working
  relationships with supervisors and subordinate staff, division directors
  and managers, public officials, and state agencies. 

• Requires
  the ability to perform all aspects of the job with fairness, equity, patience,
  discretion, and confidentiality.

• Must possess proven skills to demonstrate strong public
  speaking and sound grammar/writing abilities.

*Special
Requirements:  This position is regularly
exposed to sensitive information and the incumbent is expected to keep any such
information strictly confidential.

At-Will
Employment

The Supreme Court of Ohio is an
at-will employer that seeks to attract, employ, and retain highly skilled and
motivated individuals, attempts to maintain staff continuity for the efficiency
of its operation, and desires to foster and maintain an ethical, professional,
and impartial work environment. Pursuant to Adm. P. 4 (At-Will Employment), no
person shall be offered or denied a position of employment with the Court, and
no employee shall have the employee's employment terminated based upon
political party affiliation, political activity permitted under Adm. P. 17
(Employee Code of Ethics), or other partisan considerations. Further, no
employee shall have the employee's employment terminated with or without cause
unless upon the concurrence of a majority of the Court.